DIY Scrunch Bikini Bottoms

How to Make Scrunch Bikini Bottoms

Want bikini bottoms that make your bum look good? These DIY scrunch bikini bottoms are here to give your booty an instant boost! 😏

After reading this post you’ll know exactly how to make the cutest scrunch bikini bottoms from scratch! 

What do you need to make DIY ruched bikini bottoms?

Besides basic sewing tools like scissors, pins and a sewing machine, you will need:

1. Stretch fabric and lining
2. Elastic
3. Sewing pattern

So, first things first…

What’s the best swimsuit fabric?

The best swimsuit fabrics are the ones with a 4-way stretch and you can choose from either:

1. Polyester-Spandex blend 

There’s Polyester-spandex fabrics with texture like these beauties below or with fun prints that’ll make your bikini bottoms more unique!

2. Nylon-Spandex blend 

For this project I’ve used a Nylon-spandex fabric called “Mystique“ that has beautiful holographic mini dots for extra bling and my other favorite: “Spandex Milliskin” that has a delicate shiny finish.

Those 2 blends are the best swimsuit material for chlorine and also some of the fastest drying materials out there!

Natural fibers such as cotton or linen absorb way more water and take ages to dry, so if you’re thinking on using those as your bikini fabric, it’s better to leave them to make a beach kimono or swimsuit cover up that won’t get as wet.

How much fabric does it take to make a scrunch bikini bottom?

Half yard or 45 cm if you are making just the bottoms.

If you want to also make a matching bikini top, then get 1 yard or 1 meter of your favorite fabric!

What fabric is used for swimwear lining?

Tricot swimsuit lining is a popular choice! It’s lightweight, stretchy and comfortable! You can get it per yard (for this project you only need half yard) and is always a good idea to have black and nude color in your stash!

Best elastic for swimwear

Not all elastics are made the same way, and for swimwear you need it to be resistant to chlorine, salt water, and even the sun!

There’s two types of elastic you can buy that will endure the beach and poolside life:

Rubber elastic and cotton braided elastic…  

I find cotton braided elastic easier to work with and I’ve used the 3/8″ wide version for the edges of these bikini bottoms. 

What needle to use for swimsuit material?

Stretch needle is the way to go! 

Regular needles for the sewing machine tend to skip stitches when sewing stretch fabrics… I’ve been there! 🫣 #NotFun

Now, I know better! and the Schmetz needles in the 75/11 size have worked for me the best!

Bikini Bottom Pattern

Having this baby will help you make ruched back bikini bottoms with SO much ease!

You just need to:

• Print the PDF file in regular paper
• Select your size
• Put it on top of your favorite fabric and cut!

Then you’ll be well on your way to start making your new favorite bikini bottoms!

This bikini pattern comes in 3 different sizes and includes TWO different styles!

You can pick between 2 bands or a single band for the sides.  So yeah, it’s pretty much a 2 in 1 bikini bottom pattern!

…And who doesn’t like to pay for one thing and be able to transform it into two? (🙋🏻‍♀️ I do!) 

How to make ruched bikini bottoms

This guide breaks down how to sew a double-band bikini bottom. If you prefer a quick, clear read, over watching the video, here are the five essential steps to follow.

Check out the full tutorial below for all the details and sewing tips!

Step #1 – Prepare the Pattern and Cut the Fabric

Print the sewing pattern at 100% scale and check the test square for accuracy. Tape the pieces together, matching letters, and trace your chosen size onto tracing paper if you want to preserve the original.

Cut one front piece and one back piece from both stretch fabric and stretch lining. Also, cut four side-band pieces on the main fabric only.

Step #2 – Sew the Scrunchy Back and the Crotch Seams

Fold the fabric back piece in half and mark a straight line down the center with a fabric marker. Place the elastic along the line, and sew with a straight stitch, stretching the elastic to create the scrunch effect while guiding the fabric smoothly.

Then, pin the fabric front and back pieces with right sides together and sew the crotch seam with a 3/8” seam allowance using a stretch stitch (or small zigzag). Repeat this for the lining pieces.

Step #3 – Sew & Attach Side Bands

Fold the four side-band pieces in half, sew along the length with a 3/8” seam allowance, then trim half the seam, turn right side out, and lightly iron with seams upward.

Pin two side bands to each side of the fabric front piece, leaving 3/8” seam allowances at the top and bottom.

Step #4 – Attach Lining to Enclose the Bands

Place the lining front piece on top of the fabric front, right sides together, and sew the sides at 3/8” from the edge, then understitch the seam allowances to the lining.

Repeat for the back piece, first pinning the bands to the sides, then sewing the lining, followed by understitching for a clean finish.

Step #5 – Add The Elastic

Using a zigzag stitch (length 4, width 6), sew 3/8” elastic along the top edge of the front and back, and also along the leg openings.

Fold the elastic inward to hide it, then sew another zigzag stitch around all edges to secure it, creating a polished, body-hugging bikini bottom.

Watch how to sew a bikini bottom

Prefer watching over reading? 🎥 Here’s a quick video that breaks it all down for you in under 6 minutes!

DIY Scrunch Bikini Bottoms: Final Thoughts

And that’s how you make scrunch bikini bottoms in any color or print you can dream of!

The whole process usually takes me about an hour to an hour and a half… depending on whether I’m multitasking (aka watching Netflix at the same time 😅).

So, if you’re ready to make your bum look GREAT and rock your new bikini bottoms by the pool, grab your bikini pattern, print it out, lay it on your favorite fabric, prep that sewing machine, and follow the simple steps in the video to get those cute bikini bottoms ready.

And, as always, keep turning your ideas into reality, you’ve got magic in those hands! ✨

P.S. Need the perfect top to match those bottoms? This double-band bikini top gives the girls effortless support and can be styled multiple ways for different looks. Win-win! ✨